CASSADAGA - At the monthly meeting of the Valley Historical Society, which was held recently at the Cassadaga American Legion Hall, Todd Langworthy, Pomfret historian, presented some historical information to those in attendance. Langworthy, who was presenting just before the election, wanted to tell about some people from the town who were elected to office. Five historical men, Zattu Cushing, who served as judge in Mayville, Dr. Squire White, who served as the first physician in the area and whose home is now the White Inn; Leverett Barker, who served as town supervisor and his house is now the museum with the Barker Library; Dr. Milton Fenner, who served as a physician and supervisor; and Arthur R. Maytum, who served as Pomfret supervisor for seven years were all part of the historical presentation. Historian Walter Waite from Cassadaga, said that he has a copy of the book which has the medicine recipes of Fenner. A fine program with photographs of the historical figures was enjoyed by all.
The business meeting was opened by president Albert Olmstead, who led all in the Lord's Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary Mary Shearman read the minutes of the previous meeting. Treasurer John Sipos gave the financial report and talked about some memorials recently given to the society.
Trustee Marna Terry Wolaver presented to the society, a group of American flags which she encouraged all to use at the museum during special events. President Olmstead accepted the flags. Vice President Larry Barmore announced the next history fair in Sinclairville will be on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013. The fair will be an all day event with historical displays, a parade, a craft show, and market, historical tours, wagon and buggy rides, and many food stands. All are welcome to attend.
A slate of officers was presented for the year 2013, and elections will be held at the December meeting, with more nominations being accepted from the floor.
The next meeting of the Valley Historical Society will be the annual holiday dinner meeting at the South Stockton Wayside Chapel at 6 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 4. Elaine Palmer-Titus and Linda Parmenter will hostess this dinner. Those attending are asked to bring a dish of food to pass and their own table settings. Discussions of annual historical findings and the elections of 2013 officers will take place. Following this meeting, refreshments were provided and served by Mildred Griswold Simpson and Mary Shearman.
This Valley Historical Society has its beginnings in 1977 by the late John and Ruth Smith who saw a need to preserve the history of the Cassadaga Valley area. The museum, located at the corner of Main and Lester Streets in Sinclairville, was purchased one year later, and is open for tours from May through September.
For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782. New members are always welcome.